Devansh and Ira entered the hall, freezing mid-step at the chaotic scene unfolding before them.

The younger group—Rohan, Sanya, Arshik, Vidisha, Aryan, and Siya—were doubled over in uncontrollable laughter, clutching their stomachs. Some kicked their legs in the air, others slapped the floor, while a few laughed silently with tears streaming down their faces.

Devansh raised an eyebrow.

“Am I seeing this correctly, or am I hallucinating?”

Ira blinked dramatically.

“No, no... it’s real. They’ve completely lost their minds.”

Siya attempted to speak through her gasps.

“Bhaiya... Bhaiya... Rohan’s face—HAHAHA—oh God—Vidisha’s mimicry—HAHAHA—I can’t—I can’t—”

Vidisha, still sprawled on the floor, raised a weak hand.

“I just... told him... his haircut looks like an evil cartoon character—and he—HAHAHA—look at him—”

Rohan, laughing through tears, pointed at Arshik.

“And this guy—this guy kept saying I could be a runway model—but look—LOOK AT HIS WALK—HAHAHA!”

Arshik tried to preserve some dignity but failed spectacularly, collapsing into laughter once more.

Devansh placed a hand on his waist.

“I leave them alone for one night... one night... and they turn the Singhania mansion into a mental asylum.”

Ira giggled.

“Honestly, my mood’s lifted already. They always keep Kabir and Ananya entertained—these ones are turning out just like them.”

Rohan sat up, still chuckling.

“Bhabhi isn’t here, so full freedom! Tonight’s our comedy show!”

Devansh narrowed his eyes playfully.

“Oh really? Wait until she gets back—I’ll see how funny you all find it then.”

The youngsters responded in dramatic unison:

“NOOOO BHAIYAAAAA!”

They collapsed back onto the floor, their laughter echoing even louder through the hall.

Ananya and Kabir entered the hall, both freezing at the doorway as they stared at the chaos unfolding inside.

Youngsters rolling on the floor.

Some lying like dead bodies.

Some laughing like hyenas.

Some wiping tears.

Some clutching their stomachs like they ran a marathon of comedy.

Kabir blinked slowly.

“Hum… yeh sab chhod ke sirf do minute kya baat karne gaye…

aur inhone toh… poora mental circus laga diya?”

Ananya placed a hand on her hip, eyes wide.

“Yeh log has kyun rahe hain?? Koi mujhe batayega?

Ya phir group therapy shuru karu?”

Hearing her voice, all youngsters immediately sat up straight—

but were still giggling uncontrollably.

Vidisha pointed at Rohan while laughing.

“Di… di uska walk… oh god—if you see it na—”

Rohan pointed back dramatically.

“Arre bhabhi, she was calling me an evil cartoon!!

Main bhi thodi acting kar raha tha bas!”

Kabir sighed, rubbing his forehead.

“Bas. Yehi reh gaya tha. Youngsters ka cartoon award function.”

Ananya glared.

“Acha ek baat batao…

Koi gira toh nahi? Koi tohota-phoota toh nahi?

Ya phir main doctor ko bulaun?”

The youngsters shook their heads like obedient kids.

All: “Nahi bhabhi/di… sab mast… sab fit… sab fine!”

Devansh smirked and crossed his arms.

“Dekha Anu?

Main keh raha tha—ye sab pagal ho chuke hain.”

Ananya nodded dramatically.

“Haan, ekdum certified mental mess.

Kabir, Ira, next time inhe akele chhoda na… CCTV laga denge.”

Everyone laughed again—this time even louder.

Kabir looked at them and shook his head.

“Bas, bahut ho gaya. Chalo ab batao…

kaun sa naya comedy show ho raha tha idhar?”

All youngsters looked at one another…

and burst into laughter again like someone pressed a replay button.

Ananya threw her hands in the air.

“Nahi handle hote yeh log. I give up!”

But the moment she turned to walk in, the youngsters yelled:

“NOOOO BHABHIII/DIII—COME HERE!”

Before Ananya could react, Sanya and Siya clung to her arms like little monkeys.

Sanya said clutching her arms “Di please, humari baat suno! It’s not our fault!”

Siya leaned towards her “Haan bhabhi, Rohan ne start kiya tha! Uski wajah se hum sab has rahe the!”

Rohan gasped dramatically.

“WHAT?? Main??

Arre bhabhi, I was just showing them how Kabir bhaiya walks jab woh attitude dikhaate hain!”

Kabir’s jaw dropped.

“TU CHUP KAR!

Aur main aisa thodi chalta hu!”

Aryan burst out laughing again.

“Bilkul aise hi chalte ho bhaiyaa! Dekho—”

And he perfectly mimicked Kabir’s walk: chest puffed out, eyebrows raised like he owned the universe.

Kabir facepalmed.

“Bas. Enough of roasting me. NO MORE.”

But Arshik wasn’t done.

He pointed at Devansh.

“Aur Dev jiju ka impression bhi kiya humne!”

Ananya narrowed her eyes.

“Kya kiya? Dikhao.”

Arshik smirked.

He stood straight, lifted his chin, folded his arms and said in Devansh’s exact voice—

“Main Devansh Singhania hoon.

Main smile nahi karta. Smile mere saamne hoti hai.”

The entire hall exploded with laughter again.

Even Ira fell against Kabir, laughing helplessly.

Devansh blinked.

Then raised an eyebrow.

“Very funny, Arshik. Bohot funny.

Bas kal se tumhaare gym routine double.”

Arshik froze.

“N-nahi jiju! I take it back! Please!”

Ananya was laughing so much she had tears in her eyes.

She leaned on Devansh for support.

“Ansh… bachche cute hain na?”

Devansh rolled his eyes. “Nahi. Yeh shaitaan hain. Pure shaitaan.”

Kabir joined in, wiping his eyes.

“I swear, college ke seniors bhi itni comedy nahi karte the jitna yeh kar rahe hain.”

Ira smiled warmly.

“At least they enjoyed. That’s what matters, right?”

Ananya nodded.

“Exactly. Youngsters happy, house happy.”

Sanya clung to Ananya’s arm again.

“Bhabhi, ab aap batao hum kya kar rahe the?”

Ananya sighed.

“Haan batao na… pura comedy show dekh liya humne.

Actual topic kya tha?”

Vidisha raised her hand like a school kid.

“Rohan ka face!”

And the whole hall erupted yet again.

The loud chaos of laughter gradually faded into soft giggles as everyone caught their breath.

Kabir stretched his arms dramatically. "Okay okay enough comedy. Ab ek idea suno horror movie dekhte hai!"

The youngsters' eyes lit up instantly.

Rohan exclaimed "YES! Horror! Perfect!"

Sanya added "Exactly ab thoda thrill aaye!"

Aryan declared "Main toh ready hoon!"

Vidisha chimed in "Aur main meri Di ke saath!"

Arshik agreed "Same!"

Kabir grinned. Mission successful.

Within minutes the entire hall transformed into a cozy sleepover scene. Lights dimmed blankets spread cushions scattered everywhere.

Ananya settled comfortably against the large couch, fixing the blanket around her legs.

No sooner had she sat down than Arshik and Vidisha scrambled straight into her arms like little kids.

“Diii…” they murmured, hugging her tightly.

Ananya laughed softly, wrapping an arm around each of them.

She pulled the blanket over the three of them and began gently stroking their hair, exactly how she used to when they were little.

Vidisha sighed.

“Di… you’ll protect us if ghost comes na?”

Ananya placed a soft kiss on her head.

“Obviously. Mai hu tumhare paas—nothing can touch you.”

Arshik hugged her tighter.

Devansh settled down beside them on the floor sofa, stretching his long legs.

He barely got comfortable when Rohan and Sanya threw themselves on him.

“BHAIYAAA!!! If anything pops out… I’m not watching!” Sanya declared dramatically.

Rohan hugged Devansh’s arm.

“Same bhaiya. Don’t judge. Bas hold karne ka mann kar raha.”

Devansh chuckled—soft, rare and absolutely heart-melting.

He wrapped an arm around each of them and pulled them closer.

With his other hand, he started stroking Sanya’s hair, the protective instinct slipping out naturally.

“Theek hai… koi nahi aayega. Tum dono ko pakad liya na, ab safe ho.”

Both of them snuggled even more.

Ira had barely settled when Siya hugged her tightly.

"Bhabhi main aapke bina horror movie nahi dekh sakti!"

Ira laughed warmly. "Arey come here main hoon na."

They cuddled together under the blanket.

Kabir didn't expect it but Aryan jumped next to him clutching his arm tightly.

"Tu bhi darpok nikla?!"

"Main darpok nahi! Bas precaution."

Kabir threw an arm around him dramatically. "Aaja. Kabir Malhotra tere saath hai."

The movie started—

lights low, screen glowing, thunder sound echoing softly.

All of them snuggled together like one big chaotic, loving family.

Ananya glanced sideways at Devansh just once—

he was busy comforting Rohan and Sanya, a small smile playing on his lips…

And she silently smiled.

Her family. Her peace.

Her home.

The room slowly darkened as Kabir grabbed the remote and pressed play. The opening credits of "The Conjuring 2" flashed on the screen, eerie background music filling the space.

A cold silence spread.

Aryan whispered "Bhai yeh kaun si horror movie lagayi?? Looks dangerous already."

Kabir smirked "Relax hero. Bas starting mein hi dara deti hai."

Everyone snuggled closer to their partners.

The film opened with foggy London streets and the haunted Hodgson house.

A sudden loud knocking echoed from the movie.

Vidisha buried her face in Ananya's shoulder.

Arshik murmured "Mumma mujhe laga door pe koi hai."

Ananya chuckled softly kissing his head "Movie hai baby koi nahi aaya."

Rohan and Sanya flinched when the movie door slammed shut.

Devansh hugged them closer "Relax main hoon na. Popcorn lelo ghabrahat kam hogi."

When Janet heard strange voices and her bed shook the room froze.

Siya said scaredly "Oh my god this girl needs to RUN."

Ira hugged her tightly "I don’t think she even can."

When Janet spoke in the old man's voice Kabir exclaimed "Abey yeh kaun sa bachha is aawaz mein baat karta hai yaar??"

Aryan clutching Kabir's arm added "Bhai ye movie choice tujhse hi expected thi."

Nervous laughter rippled through the group.

The creepy nursery rhyme began "There was a crooked man."

A toy spun by itself and the crooked man jumped from the shadows.

Vidisha yelped "Mummyyy!" climbing onto Ananya's lap.

Ananya rubbed her back laughing softly "Shhh main hoon na. Dekh ekdum safe."

Devansh smirked "Tumhari team toh half-time pe hi haar gayi."

Sanya screamed when the Crooked Man ran down the dark hallway clutching Devansh's shirt.

Devansh admitted "Okay okay main bhi thoda dar gaya honest."

Laughter erupted.

The scariest scene arrived. Lorraine saw the Nun's shadow behind the painting. The music fell silent. Everyone held their breath.

Then the Nun charged from the darkness.

Siya jumped nearly falling off the sofa.

Ira grabbed her "Main hoon! Don't fall!"

Kabir threw a cushion at the screen "Yeh kya zaroori tha?! Ek warning toh milti!!"

Aryan wide-eyed wrapped around Kabir said "Bhai agar woh mere saamne aayi na main bech behosh ho jaunga."

Kabir replied "Same bro same."

When the demon dragged Janet to the window reactions varied.

Ananya held the kids tight whispering "Bas khatam hone wala hai."

Devansh rubbed Rohan and Sanya's arms "Look at me don't look there."

Kabir and Aryan hid behind a pillow pretending bravery.

Siya and Ira huddled together.

Tension broke when the leads saved Janet and the demon vanished.

Everyone exhaled loudly.

Lights turned on.

Silence.

Then Aryan declared "Bas. Main bathroom akela nahi jaunga."

Laughter filled the room again.

While the youngsters settled for sleep Ananya stretched her arms above her head and sighed dramatically. "Yaar maza nahi aaya ek aur movie dekhte hain."

Ira nodded instantly. "I'm in. Mujhe bhi Neend nahi aa rahi."

Devansh glanced at the half-asleep youngsters. "Alright but inn logo ko dusre room mein bhej dete hain. So that they can sleep peacefully."

Kabir raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure they'll sleep? They look scared but hyper."

Devansh smirked. "Shakal dekh kar hi pata chal raha hai thak gaye hain. So jayenge. Don't worry."

Ananya directed "Haan haan. Tum dono jao inn logo ko settle karo. Tab tak Ira aur main movie choose karte hain."

Kabir and Devansh nodded and helped the youngsters settle in rooms.

Back in the living room Ananya and Ira sat cross-legged on the sofa phone and remote in hand.

Ira scrolled through movies. "Rom-com? Action? Comedy? Horror dubara?"

Ananya replied "No horror. Mujhe darr nahi lag raha but mujhe pata hai tum chillaogi."

Ira gasped dramatically. "Excuse me? YOU screamed first when that nun jumped in Conjuring 2!"

Ananya fake-coughed. "Bas acting thi tum log ko entertain karne ke liye."

They burst into laughter.

Ira resumed browsing then paused. "Ooo Stree? Horror-comedy. Not too scary. Not too funny. Perfect midnight movie."

Ananya considered "Itna bura idea nahi hai par Devansh ko comedy horror pasand nahi."

Ira teased instantly "Usse bas tu pasand hai bas. Baaki sab toh excuses hain."

Ananya rolled her eyes but blushed. "Shut up. Movie choose kar."

They continued scrolling rejecting every movie for silly reasons.

"Yeh slow lag rahi hai."

"Yeh toh bachon wala concept hai."

"NO this actor is irritating."

"Already dekhi hui hai."

Until Ira lit up. "What about Mohabbatein? Kafi time ho gaya dekhe hue."

Ananya nodded convinced. "Ha yaar let's watch it."

They nodded proudly like they solved world peace and waited for the boys to return.

Devansh and Kabir returned to the living room looking surprisingly refreshed despite managing six hyper youngsters.

"Finally shanti mil gayi."

"Lagta hai hum bhi bache sambhal ke aaye hain."

Ananya and Ira exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

Devansh shook his head fondly sat beside Ananya and pulled her close her shoulder fitting naturally under his arm. Kabir mirrored the gesture with Ira who rested her head against his shoulder.

Ira glanced at the TV. "I can't believe we're watching Mohabbatein after a horror movie."

Kabir smiled. "Balance hona chahiye pehle darr ab pyaar."

The movie began soft background music filling the room. Raj Aryan's monologue played talking about love being eternal powerful breaking every rule.

Ananya felt Devansh's grip tighten slightly around her waist and smiled softly.

A few minutes into the movie as the scene shifted to the gurukul courtyard Devansh's hand slid from her waist to her thigh fingers brushing lightly.

Ananya's breath hitched.

She turned slightly mouthing silently "Behave."

Devansh's lips curved into a slow knowing smirk. He leaned in brushing his nose against her neck.

Ananya sucked in a sharp breath.

His lips touched the crook of her neck soft at first feather-light then firmer. She stiffened hands pushing gently at his chest.

"Dev" she whispered half warning half breathless.

He didn't budge. His hold on her thigh tightened thumb stroking deliberate circles.

Ananya tried to look away to compose herself and saw Kabir focused on Ira whispering comfort as Ira sniffled at a sad scene.

Perfect. No one was looking.

Devansh's lips brushed her skin again lower warmer.

Ananya bit her lower lip trapping the soft sound threatening to escape especially when he nipped her sensitive spot.

Her fingers curled into his shirt.

Devansh whispered against her skin voice low and teasing "You told me to behave but sweetheart tumne kabhi bataya hi nahi how."

Ananya glared cheeks flushed eyes shimmering. "Devansh stop. Kabir yahin hai."

"Let him be. Main toh sirf apni biwi ke paas baitha hoon."

His lips brushed her again softer this time a kiss full of love he could never quite express.

Ananya's heart despite her feigned annoyance gave in completely.

As Mohabbatein played softly in the background candles flickering in slow motion on-screen Ananya shifted closer. Her movements were small instinctive like her body knew exactly where it belonged.

Without a word she leaned onto Devansh's chest her head settling right above his heartbeat.

Devansh's arms tightened around her palms resting securely on her waist protecting something precious.

He dipped his head kissing her temple with feather-soft affection.

Everything felt still. The movie. The lights. Their breathing syncing perfectly.

Ira and Kabir whispered lost in their own world but here time seemed paused just for Devansh and Ananya.

A few minutes passed.

Devansh felt a shift against his chest. Her breathing slowed deepened.

He lowered his gaze.

Ananya was fast asleep curled against him like a child lashes resting on her cheeks grip on his shirt loose but possessive. A tiny pout formed on her lips.

Devansh's lips twitched. He chuckled softly "Cute."

He gently brushed a strand of hair off her face.

Unable to resist he leaned down pecking her pout a kiss so gentle it was nearly silent.

She murmured in her sleep snuggling closer clutching his shirt.

Devansh smiled that soft rare smile reserved only for her.

His arms tightened protectively as he whispered "Meri jaan."

______________________________________________________________________________________

The basement was nothing like the luxurious world.

It was cold… silent… and suffocating.

Bare concrete walls stretched endlessly, stained with marks that had long forgotten their stories. The single yellow bulb hanging from the ceiling flickered unsteadily, throwing broken shadows across the room. Chains clinked softly somewhere in the corner, and the metallic smell of blood mixed with the dampness of the underground air.

It wasn’t a place meant for mercy.

It was a place meant for truth.

At the center of the room sat a man— bruised, bleeding, half-conscious. His shirt was torn, his face swollen, and ropes dug deep into his wrists as he hung limply from the chair.

Suddenly—

SPLASH!

A bucket of icy water crashed onto his face.

He gasped sharply, jerking awake, lungs fighting for air as the cold seeped into his bones.

Before he could even look around properly, he froze.

Because standing in front of him, hands casually tucked into his pockets, was Devansh Singhania.

Expression calm.

Eyes merciless.

A faint smirk playing on his lips.

The kind of smirk that promised one thing—

the real interrogation had just begun.

The man kept trembling, blood drying on his face as cold water ran off his jaw.

Devansh stood in front of him, posture calm, expression unreadable— but the storm in his eyes was unmistakable.

Paras stepped forward slightly, standing beside Devansh, arms folded, the silent threat in the room doubling instantly.

Devansh spoke first—quiet, steady, lethal.

“Do you know why you’re still alive?”

The man shook his head, terrified.

Paras answered for him, voice hard.

“Because he wants answers. And you’re the only one who can give them.”

Devansh crouched down to the man’s level, eyes locking with his.

“Two years ago,” he began slowly,

“someone took a shot meant for me. Someone stepped in. Someone bled… because of you people.”

The man’s breath hitched.

Devansh’s jaw clenched, but his voice remained controlled.

“I’m going to ask this once. Who sent you?”

The guy tried to speak, but fear strangled the words.

Paras grabbed the man’s hair and forced his head up.

“Look at him when he talks to you.”

The man gasped, chest heaving.

“I—I don’t know his real name,” he stuttered.

“He never showed his face.”

Devansh didn’t blink.

“Then what did he call himself?”

A long silence.

Then—

“…Shadow.”

Devansh’s expression didn’t change, but Paras stiffened beside him.

“Shadow?” Paras repeated, eyebrows narrowing.

“That’s all?”

The man nodded frantically.

“Yes… yes, that’s all he told us. He never meets anyone directly. Orders come through phones… voice changers… burners… We never saw him.”

Devansh rose to his full height, eyes turning darker, colder.

“So the man who tried to kill me…”

he exhaled slowly,

“…doesn’t even have a name.”

Paras stepped forward again.

“But he’s still out there. And he aimed at you once—he’ll do it again.”

Devansh’s smirk was humorless, razor-sharp.

“Let him try.”

He leaned in slightly, speaking to the trembling man.

“You carried out his orders once. Tell me something useful now… and you walk out alive.”

The man shook his head desperately.

“I swear— I only know the name. Nothing else. He hides… even from us.”

Devansh exchanged a look with Paras—silent understanding passing between them.

Paras spoke quietly,

“Sir… if he’s telling the truth, we’re dealing with someone who doesn’t want to be found.”

Devansh stepped back, hands going into his pockets.

“Then we’ll drag him out.”

He turned toward the door.

“Paras—start digging. Everything. Calls, locations, movements, even rumors. I want every ghost in this city awake by morning.”

Paras nodded sharply.

The man cried out,

“Please— I told you everything— please don’t—”

Devansh didn’t even look back.

“If you had more, you would have talked already.”

He walked away, voice low and lethal.

“Kill him.”

The study was silent except for the ticking of the antique clock. Devansh entered loosening his tie slightly. Paras immediately straightened offering a stack of files.

"Sir these just came in. Cross-checks financial trails movement records everything connected to the new lead."

Devansh took the files his expression unreadable.

He flipped through the pages one by one. A faint movement of his eyebrow. A muscle clenching at his jaw. Nothing more.

But Paras knew Devansh Singhania well and recognized this as his version of shock.

"Two years Paras." His voice was calm too calm. "Do saal se hum iss cheez ko pakadne ki koshish kar rahe the."

Paras exhaled deeply. He had lived through those two years the search dead ends frustration.

"Haan sir we turned cities upside down. No trail no footprints like the shooter vanished in air."

Devansh closed the file gently the calm before a storm. "Aur ab ek naam." His eyes sharpened. "Ek clue."

Paras nodded. "Sir iss baar ye koi random hired gun nahi hai. This man is connected. Deeply connected."

Devansh leaned back eyes fixed on the file. "He waited two years." A pause. "Either he was too confident we would never find him or someone powerful is protecting him."

Paras swallowed. "Sir mere hisaab se yeh sirf shooter nahi. Yeh sirf ek pawn hai."

Devansh's eyes lifted. Cold. Calculating. "And pawns always point towards the king."

Paras stepped closer. "Exactly sir. Whoever ordered the hit he's still hidden. But for the first time we have a thread. We pull it right we'll get the whole web."

Devansh's fingers tapped the desk once a silent gesture he was thinking. "Paras."

"Sir?"

"Not a word of this leaves this room."

Paras nodded instantly. "Of course sir."

Devansh's gaze darkened remembering the blood the fear the moment his life collapsed in his arms two years ago.

His voice dropped. "This time I will find him." A beat. "Aur jab mil gaya main usse sirf marunga nahi." His tone turned lethal. "Main usse woh dard dunga jo maine uss raat mehsoos kiya tha."

Paras lowered his head respectfully. "Order me sir. I'm with you till the end."

Devansh stood looking out the window eyes burning with rage and unhealed pain. "We start digging at sunrise." He turned slightly. "This time we finish what began two years ago."

Just then Devansh’s phone rang.

Caller ID: Anya ❤️

His expression instantly softened as he answered.

Before he could utter a single word, Ananya exploded like a firecracker.

“ANSHHH!!! Where are you??” she yelled.

“Everyone is waiting for Kabir’s haldi! Do you even realise the ceremony is about to start? Aise koi jaata hai kya bina bataye?? Oh God, Devansh, kya karu main tumhara! Tum—”

Devansh sighed, amused, leaning against the cold basement wall.

“Shaanth, shaanth, Vande Bharat Express…” he interrupted in his smooth voice.

“At least let me speak.”

There was a sharp gasp on the other end.

“DON’T shaanth me, Devansh! I’ve called you six times! Sab log yahan baith ke tumhara wait kar rahe hain! And you’re God knows where!”

He chuckled quietly, running a hand through his hair.

“Relax, Mrs. Singhania. I had something important to check.”

“More important than being on time for Kabir’s haldi? Seriously?”

“Haan,” he said calmly, “but it’s done now. I’m leaving in two minutes.”

There was a pause… her voice dropped a little.

“…Promise?”

Devansh’s tone softened, warm but steady.

“Promise. Bas aa raha hoon.”

Another dramatic huff from Ananya.

“Fine. Jaldi aao. And Devansh—if you’re late na, I’ll personally smear so much haldi on you that you’ll look like a walking mango.”

He smirked.

“Challenge accepted.”

He hung up, sliding his phone into his pocket.

Paras glanced at him, lips twitching.

“Ma’am?”

Devansh exhaled with a helpless smile.

“Let’s go. Before she actually turns me into aamras.”

Devansh stepped out of the car, adjusting the cuffs of his cream kurta as he walked toward the venue. Soft music, laughter, and the scent of turmeric filled the air.

But all of that faded the moment he saw her.

Ananya stood at the entrance, arms folded, foot tapping, lips pressed into a sharp line.

Her yellow saree shimmered under the lights—sunlit, stunning, and dangerously deceptive—because her eyes were shooting daggers straight at him.

Devansh swallowed.

Oh, she’s furious.

The moment their eyes met, she raised one eyebrow—the “you’re dead” eyebrow.

He approached her slowly, cautiously, like she was a beautifully draped landmine.

“I’m here…” he said softly.

Ananya didn’t blink.

“Five. Minutes.” she said through gritted teeth.

“I gave you five minutes. You took twenty-five.”

Devansh smiled, trying to charm his way out.

“I had work—”

“So did I,” she snapped.

“But you know what I didn’t do? VANISH INTO THIN AIR.”

He stepped closer, lowering his voice.

“You look beautiful.”

Her jaw tightened harder.

“Flattery will not save you.”

Devansh leaned in, lips brushing her ear.

“It works every time.”

Ananya’s breath hitched—just for a second—before she pushed him lightly on the chest.

“Stop being cute. Ab chalo. Kabir is searching for you.”

He nodded, following her inside with a small smile.

Angry Ananya was cute.

Angry Ananya in a yellow saree? Deadly.

Devansh and Ananya entered the venue, the soft yellow décor glowing around them. Kabir was sitting among the youngsters, still clean, still waiting, still pretending to be calm.

The moment he saw Devansh, Kabir dramatically threw his hands in the air.

“FINALLY! Maharaj ne apne darshan de hi diye!”

Everyone chuckled.

Devansh raised a brow.

“Bas itna hi miss kiya mujhe?”

Kabir scoffed.

“Miss? Bhai, ceremony start nahi ho pa rahi thi! Sab tum dono ka wait kar rahe the.”

Ananya folded her arms, giving Devansh a pointed look.

“Exactly. Someone decided to disappear without informing.”

Devansh cleared his throat and looked away for a second.

“Work tha… urgent.”

Kabir shook his head dramatically.

“Shaadi meri hai, tension tum le rahe ho, aur late bhi tum hi aaye ho. Kya hi bolun.”

Ananya smiled at Kabir and walked toward him, adjusting his yellow kurta lightly.

“Chal, ab baith properly. Pandit ji batayenge kab start karna hai.”

Kabir made a face.

“Mere se zyada toh tum log ready lag rahe ho.”

Devansh smirked softly.

“Main toh hoon hi.”

Kabir rolled his eyes.

“Haan haan, Mr. Perfection.”

The youngsters laughed.

Everything was calm, settled, and the ceremony was just about to begin.

Ira entered the venue wearing a soft mustard-yellow suit.Her dupatta was draped gracefully over one shoulder. Her hair was loosely curled, pinned back with fresh jasmine flowers, making her look effortlessly radiant—almost ethereal.

Kabir, who was pretending to talk to Aryan, froze the second he saw her.

His lips parted slightly.

His eyes softened.

And that stupid–in–love smile appeared.

Ananya noticed, elbowed him hard, and whispered,

“Stop staring. She’ll melt.”

Kabir didn’t even look away.

“Let her.”

Ira sat beside him shyly, tucking her dupatta neatly.

Kabir leaned closer and whispered,

“You look beautiful.”

Ira blushed instantly, eyes dropping.

“Kabir…”

He winked.

“Accha laga na? Toh rehne do.”

Ananya shook her head with a fond smile.

Her two chaotic best friends were turning soft roses today.

Just then, Pandit ji announced,

“Haldi ki shubh shuruaat karte hain.”

The ceremony began.

Arjun and Radhika stepped forward, holding the haldi bowl.

Radhika’s eyes were already moist— Kabir was still her little boy.

Kabir pouted dramatically,

“Maa, rona mat. Haldi hai, bidaai nahi.”

Radhika smacked his arm lightly,

“Teri bidaai bhi yahi hai. Ira ko sambhaalna.”

Arjun chuckled and applied haldi to Kabir’s cheeks.

“Kabir, proud the man you’ve become.”

He then turned to Ira, applying a small streak on her cheek with utmost affection.

“Welcome home, beta.”

Ira’s eyes softened.

“Thank you, uncle… no, Papa.”

Arjun smiled wide, pats her head warmly.

Kabir looked at Ira, completely gone.

When Ishaan and Kriti walked forward, Ira’s smile grew emotional.

Kriti cupped her daughter’s cheek first, streaking haldi gently.

“Aaj meri bacchi dulhan ban rahi hai…”

Her voice broke.

Ira’s eyes filled instantly.

“Maa…”

Ishaan applied haldi next, his voice thick.

“Kabir… she’s our everything. Sambhal paayega na?”

Kabir straightened immediately.

His tone sincere, firm.

“Apne jaan se zyada.”

Kriti and Ishaan smiled through tears.

When Kriti applied haldi on Kabir’s cheek, she said softly,

“You’re not taking our daughter… you’re becoming our son.”

Kabir’s throat tightened.

“Always.”

Ananya, standing beside Harshad, felt her heart tug.

The emotions… the nostalgia…

Suddenly she remembered her own haldi. The chaos ,the past everything.

Before she knew it, tears welled up.

Harshad noticed instantly and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

Ananya hugged him tightly.

He kissed her temple gently.

“Shhh… I’m right here, baccha.”

Rajveer came with his usual smirk.

He applied haldi to Kabir first and said,

“Bas shaadi ke baad Ira ko rone mat dena. Warna…”

Kabir snorted,

“Aap dono already mere peeche pade ho. Aur kya dhamki doge?”

Meenakshi applied haldi to Ira lovingly.

“Kabir thoda pagal hai… par dil ka saaf hai.”

Ira smiled shyly,

“Mujhe pata hai.”

Ananya whispered to Devansh,

“See? Perfect match.”

Devansh smirked,

“Like someone else I know.”

Ananya’s cheeks warmed.

Harshad and Kavita were next.

Harshad applied haldi to Kabir’s cheek and said teasingly,

“Bohot shaant lag raha hai. Shaadi ka darr hai kya?”

Kabir rolled his eyes,

“Sirf aapki taang khichayi ka darr hai.”

Kavita gently applied haldi to Ira and said,

“Sada khush rehna, beta. Aur Kabir se zyada ladna mat.”

Ira giggled softly,

“Main try karungi.”

Kabir nudged her lightly,

“Try? Bas mujhse pyaar karti rehna.”

Ira blushed again.

Ananya whispered to Devansh,

“Kabir ka flirting mode toh full on hai.”

Devansh whispered back,

“Shaadi wala charm.”

The moment the elders stepped aside, the youngsters pounced.

Rohan smeared haldi across Kabir’s entire cheek.

Sanya clapped,

“Bhaiyaaa, ab toh asli dulha lag rahe ho!”

Vidisha reached Ira first and smudged haldi over her nose.

“Bhabhi, camera-ready makeover!”

Ira squealed,

“Vidisha stop! It’s going in my mouth!”

Aryan laughed wickedly, grabbing more haldi.

“Bas taste kar ke batao namak kam hai ya zyada.”

Ira glared,

“ARYAN!”

Kabir tried shielding her,

“Stop! Stop! She’s MY bride, you hooligans!”

Siya, already with a handful, said,

“Nah nah. Hum nahi rukenge , enjoy hum bhi karenge!”

Arshik successfully left a yellow handprint on Kabir’s back.

Rohan high-fived him.

The youngsters were in full chaos mode…

And then…

Everything went silent.

Because the real villains of every ceremony walked in.

Devansh and Ananya stepped inside with matching smirks.

Dangerous ones.

Ananya cracked her knuckles dramatically.

“Sooo… Mr. Kabir Malhotra…”

She walked forward slowly.

“…and Ira Shekhawat— I mean, soon-to-be Mrs. Malhotra…”

She rubbed her palms together with a devilish smile.

“It’s time for revenge.”

Kabir’s soul left his body.

Ira blinked.

“Revenge? For what?! What did we do?!”

Ananya tilted her head innocently.

“Oh nothing… just recalling what YOU did in our haldi…”

Flashback hit Kabir like a bullet.

His face paled.

“Anuuu… dosti mein interest… ya badla mein interest?”

Ananya smirked,

“Badla hi asli dosti ka proof hota hai.”

Devansh rolled his sleeves, calm but deadly.

“Aaj toh yeh dono pakke.”

Kabir held Ira’s hand dramatically.

“Ira, run.”

Devansh cracked his neck.

“Try.”

And before Kabir could blink, Devansh lunged forward.

Kabir squealed and dodged.

“AREEEE! Dev! Dev listen— I’m the groom!”

Devansh chased him mercilessly.

“Toh kya? Groom discount nahi milta.”

Meanwhile Ananya approached Ira like a villain in slow motion.

Ira stumbled back.

“A-Anu please… hum best friends hai! Right?”

Ananya sweet-smiled.

“Exactly. Isliye toh khushiyon mein rang bharne aai hoon.”

She grabbed a massive handful of haldi and—

SPLAT

Smeared it across Ira’s entire cheek.

Ira shrieked,

“ANANYAAAAA!!”

Ananya laughed like a complete menace.

“Bas thoda sa pyaar.”

Devansh yelled from the other side, still chasing Kabir,

“Mere paas bhi bohot pyaar hai Kabir! Ruk jaaa!”

Kabir yelled, “TUJHE BHAI BANAAYA THA MAARNE KA TARGET NAHI!”

Youngsters were dying of laughter, recording everything.

Chaos officially exploded.

Kabir was still trying to escape when Devansh finally caught his collar from behind and jerked him back.

Before Kabir could react—

SMMMEEEARRR!!

Devansh dragged a huge streak of haldi across Kabir’s entire face.

Kabir froze.

His eyes widened.

His mouth hung open.

“DEVANSHHHH!!!” he screamed like a betrayed toddler.

Devansh leaned in, smirk sharp and victorious.

“Ab aaya maza.”

Kabir wiped haldi from his eyelashes, ready to fire back with a long lecture—

But he didn’t even get to complete the first word.

Because—

SPLAAAAASH!

Ananya smacked the entire remaining bowl of haldi onto his face.

Kabir stumbled back two steps, slipping, blinking through the thick yellow layer plastered on him.

All youngsters gasped and then BURST into laughter.

Ananya flicked her hair back smugly,

“Revenge? Completed.”

Kabir sputtered,

“ANANYAAA!! Tu dosti karti hai ya DUSHMANI?!”

Ananya shrugged sweetly,

“Jo tune mere haldi mein kiya tha, woh toh abhi bhi kam jal raha hai.”

Devansh folded his arms,

“Consider this… with interest.”

Kabir looked at Ira, his face completely unrecognizable except two blinking eyes.

Ira giggled behind her hands,

“Kabir… tum… haldi ka statue lag rahe ho!”

Kabir glared,

“Ira. Don’t. Laugh.”

Ira burst into louder laughter.

Devansh slapped Kabir’s shoulder,

“Chal groom sahab, ab asli haldi ceremony shuru hui.”

Kabir rubbed haldi off his eyes and pointed at Ananya dramatically—

“ANANYA KI BACCHIII… RUK! Tu abhi ruk!”

Ananya’s eyes widened—then she BURST into laughter and took off running.

“Pakad ke dikhaa, Dulhe raja!” she yelled over her shoulder.

Kabir sprinted behind her like a man possessed.

Meanwhile Ira folded her arms, looked at Devansh with a smirk and said—

“Tumhe kaun bachayega, Devansh?”

Devansh raised a brow, matching her smirk with his own colder, more dangerous one.

“Catch me if you can.”

Ira blinked—

“KYA?!”

Before she could even process his words, Devansh took off running too.

“DEVANSHHHH!” Ira yelled and started chasing him across the venue.

All the youngsters exploded into laughter as the two chaotic pairs chased each other—

Ananya running in circles, Kabir behind her screaming empty threats.

Ira running with her dress lifted slightly, Devansh dodging her with mafia-level reflexes.

Rohan clapped like a seal,

“Bhabhi! Left jao left! Kabir bhaiya slow hai!”

Sanya was on the ground laughing,

“Ira bhabhi, Dev bhaiya ko waise pakad paogi? Impossible.”

Rajveer shook his head, smiling,

“Ye log shaadi pe aaye hai ya sports day pe?”

Harshad chuckled at the chaos,

“Humare ghar ki shaadi hai beta… yaha sab allowed hai.”

Meenakshi sighed lovingly,

“Bas koi gir na jaaye.”

Meanwhile—

Ananya hid behind Harshad.

Kabir shouted "HATTIYE UNCLE YEH CRIMINAL HAI!"

Ananya protested "Main innocent hu!"

Kabir replied sarcastically "HAAN HAAN Bilkul."

And on the other side Devansh jumped over a low stage step smirking.

Ira breathless called "DEVANSH! RUK JAAO!"

Devansh laughed under his breath "Shanti shanti Rajdhani Express."

Ira yelled "TU RUK—" lunging again missing him by inches.

The entire hall echoed with laughter cheers and joyful chaos.

“Uncle hato aap!” Kabir almost yelled while running.

Harshad, who was casually standing in Ananya’s escape path, simply stepped aside with a perfectly innocent expression.

Ananya skidded to a halt. “Papaaaaaaa!!!??” she gasped, eyes widening in betrayal.

Harshad just shrugged, utterly unbothered. “Baccha… main kya karu? Shaadi ka rasam hai,” he said, fighting a smile.

“Papa how could you—” she didn’t even finish.

SMEARRRKK!

Kabir took full advantage of her shock and smeared a whole palm full of haldi across her cheeks and nose.

“AAAHHHH! Kabir!!” Ananya squealed, stumbling back as Kabir burst out laughing.

Harshad was still laughing at his daughter’s plight when Ananya narrowed her eyes at him… then slowly smirked.

Before Harshad could even decode that expression—

SPLAT!

She smeared haldi all over his cheek in one bold swipe.

“Anuuuu??” Harshad froze, staring at her in disbelief.

Ananya clasped her hands behind her back and flashed her cutest, toothy smile—

the one that could melt anyone on the planet.

Harshad, however, made a dramatic serious face.

“Ananya, aesa koi karta hai kya? Main tumhara baap hu… baap!”

Ananya lifted her chin proudly.

“Aur main aapki beti hu… beti!” she declared, like she won a national award.

“Abhi ruk tu—” Harshad warned and stepped forward.

But before he could grab her, Ananya squeaked, “Papa bachaooo!!”

and immediately ducked behind Rajveer like he was a human shield.

Harshad lunged… and 

SPLAT!

His haldi-covered hand landed right across Rajveer’s face instead.

Rajveer froze.

Blink.

Blink.

Processing…

Loading…

System rebooting…

Harshad stared at his own hand in horror for a second—

and then burst out laughing.

Rajveer slowly wiped haldi off his eye and said in his most dangerous uncle-voice:

“Harshad ke bacche… ab toh tu gaya.”

He started moving toward Harshad.

Harshad didn’t wait even HALF a second.

“Nahin bhai, main chalta hu!” he squeaked and sprinted away like his life depended on it.

Rajveer ran after him while everyone burst into laughter, the whole venue echoing with chaos and joy.

Devansh, who had finally escaped Ira’s chase, came to a halt near the corner of the venue. He bent slightly forward, catching his breath—

And then he witnessed Harshad running for his life while Rajveer chased him with murder in his eyes.

Devansh burst out laughing, holding his stomach.

“Yeh log kabhi nahi sudhrenge…”

A calm voice came from behind him.

“Bohot funny lag raha hai, right?”

Still laughing, Devansh replied without turning,

“Haan, bohot—”

He turned…

And froze.

Ira.

Standing there with a sweet smile…

and haldi in both her hands.

Devansh’s eyes widened.

“Ira… Ira ruk—”

But before he could finish his warning—

SMEARRRRRKKK!!!

Ira slapped both her hands onto his cheeks, dragging haldi right across his face.

Devansh stood there like a statue, eyes blinking, mouth slightly open.

Ira smirked proudly.

“Catch me if you can, Mr. Singhania.”

And she ran off before he could react.

Devansh wiped haldi from his eyelash and muttered,

“Ira ki bacchi ruk!!!.”

And he sprinted after her, the whole crowd cheering as the chaos level officially hit the sky.

Devansh darted forward, full speed, eyes locked on Ira who was laughing and running in circles around the chairs.

“Ira! Ruk jao!” he shouted, stretching his hand to catch her wrist.

He was this close—just an inch away from grabbing her—

When suddenly…

SMEARRRKKKK!!

A hand slammed a giant streak of haldi across Devansh’s face from the side.

Devansh stopped dead.

Ira stopped and turned.

Everyone gasped.

Kabir stood there, grinning ear to ear, hands dipped in haldi.

“REVENGE COMPLETE!” Kabir announced dramatically.

Devansh blinked, stunned.

He wiped haldi from his nose and said in disbelief,

“Kabir… tu beech mein kahan se aa gaya?!”

Kabir shrugged proudly,

“Jahan dushman ka chance ho, wahan Kabir Malhotra hamesha hota hai.”

Ira burst out laughing.

Devansh narrowed his eyes dangerously,

“Tu ruk… ab toh main tujhe chhodunga nahi—”

And Kabir?

He was already running for his life.

Devansh wiped haldi off his lashes, still blinking as he glared at Kabir who was already halfway across the lawn, laughing like he had won the World War.

But the moment Kabir ran, Ira burst out laughing.

Devansh slowly turned toward her.

She froze.

He raised a brow,

“Bahut hasi aa rahi hai?”

Ira took a step back.

“Devansh… listen… woh—”

“Nahi. Bilkul nahi.”

Devansh smirked and lunged toward her.

Ira squeaked and turned, sprinting across the venue.

“Kabirrrr!! Help!!” she yelled while running.

Kabir, still running from Devansh, yelled back,

“Baby, main khud bache jaa raha hoon!!”

Everyone burst out laughing.

Devansh was faster.

He closed the gap in seconds, catching Ira by her wrist.

“Got you,” he whispered with a wicked grin.

Ira gasped, eyes widening.

“Devansh— no, no— WAIT—”

But before she could finish—

SMEEEAAAR!

He gently but firmly ran a whole handful of haldi across her cheek, jawline, and even the tip of her nose.

Ira stood frozen, mouth open.

Devansh smirked,

“Revenge… delivered.”

She glared at him,

“Tum bohot bure ho!”

“Aur tum bohot slow ho,” he teased and winked.

Ira growled and picked up a bowl of haldi.

“Ab tum ruk!”

Devansh’s eyes widened,

“Oh hell.”

He turned and bolted.

Just as Ira ran behind him, aiming to attack—

WHAM!

Kabir appeared out of nowhere…

And smeared another thick layer of haldi on Devansh’s face from behind.

Devansh stopped dead again.

“KABIRRRRR!!!” he roared, wiping haldi dripping down his jaw.

Kabir folded his arms with a victorious smirk.

“Rule number one, Bro… Kabir Malhotra se panga mat lena.”

Ira joined him, high-fiving Kabir as she laughed,

“Finally! Teamwork!”

Devansh stared at both of them—betrayal shining in his eyes.

“Dono ko main nahi chhodunga.”

Kabir and Ira shared a look.

“RUN!” they both shouted in sync

And sprinted in opposite directions.

Devansh cracked his knuckles and chased them like a lion after two baby deer.

Chaos. Screaming. Laughter. Everyone cheering.

The perfect haldi war.

Kabir and Ira were sprinting across the lawn like two criminals running from the police, breathless, messy, and laughing.

“Kabir, faster! He’s right behind us!” Ira squealed.

Kabir huffed,

“Main racer hoon kya? Yeh Dev bhi na—”

But before either of them could take another step—

SPLAAAASHHH!

A full handful of haldi flew through the air and landed directly on their faces.

Kabir froze.

Ira froze.

Everyone around them gasped and burst out laughing.

Standing right in front of them like a majestic yellow goddess…

Ananya  Rathore Singhania.

Saree flying slightly with the breeze, hands on her waist, chin lifted in victorious attitude.

She smirked,

“Bachke kaha jaa rahe the, mere do pyare anmol ratn?”

Kabir wiped haldi off his eyelashes, eyes wide.

“ANANYAAAAA!!!”

Ira pointed at her face, shocked.

“Anu!! Yeh kya tha!?”

Ananya shrugged innocently,

“Revenge. Extra spicy version.”

Kabir’s jaw dropped.

“Tu Dev ko bhadka rahi hai na?! Yeh sab plan karke kiya—”

Before he could finish, Ananya raised a brow,

“Plan? Mujhe plan ki zaroorat nahi hoti, Kabir. Opportunity dekh ke seedha attack karti hoon.”

Ira whined,

“I look like a turmeric ghost now!”

Ananya clicked her tongue dramatically,

“Aww… do chandan ke murti. Perfect couple look!”

Kabir groaned while Ira slapped her forehead.

Just then—

Devansh arrived behind them, smirking with pride.

“Good shot, Mrs. Malhotra.”

Ananya winked at him,

“Sikha kisne hai?”

Kabir and Ira stared at the husband-wife duo in betrayal.

“They’re a team, Ira… we’re doomed,” Kabir whispered.

“Already doomed,” Ira whispered back.

And the haldi chaos continued…

Just when the adults thought the chaos couldn't escalate the youngsters marched in like an army preparing for war.

Aryan whistled loudly "STOP! Everyone freeze!"

Everyone froze instantly.

Siya crossed her arms proudly "Agar fight karni hi hai then let's do it properly."

Sanya pointed between the couples "Teams bante hain. NOW."

The kids spread out like trained soldiers.

TEAM A

Devansh ,Ananya ,Aryan ,Siya ,Sanya

Aryan declared "Bhaiya–Bhabhi ke saath hi jeet possible hai."

Siya grinned "Aur revenge bhi!"

Sanya raised her brow "Kabir bhaiya ko toh main aaj nahi chhodne waali."

Ananya laughed proudly "Good good yeh hui na meri army."

Devansh smirked "Kabir ka chehra dekhne layak hoga ab."

TEAM B

Kabir, Ira ,Rohan, Arshik ,Vidisha

Vidisha popped her shoulders "Di aur jiju ko aaj hum hi harayenge!"

Arshik cracked his knuckles like a little gangster "Bhaiya Ira bhabhi—hum ready hain."

Rohan smirked "Bro chill. Dev bhai ko main sambhaal loonga."

Sanya snapped from the other team "TRY ME!"

Kabir put an arm around Ira dramatically "Dekha? Humare paas youth power hai."

Ira narrowed her eyes "Aur haldi bhi zyaada."

AND THE HALDI WAR BEGAN

SPLASH!

Aryan threw haldi at Kabir but Kabir ducked. The haldi smacked straight into Rohan's face.

Rohan yelled "ARYANNN!!! Tera kaam tamaam!" and charged.

Swoosh!

Vidisha launched haldi at Ananya but Devansh stepped in front heroically.

HALDI HIT HIS CHEEK.

Ananya's jaw dropped "Dev!!"

Devansh smirked "Biwi ko koi aim kare aur main chup rahun? Impossible."

She melted momentarily then dumped haldi over Vidisha's head.

Vidisha screamed "DI!!! I LOOK LIKE A MANGO!!"

Kabir shouted "TEAM B ATTACKKK!!"

Rohan Arshik and Vidisha charged like wild minions.

Aryan blocked with a steel plate. Siya threw haldi like confetti. Sanya smeared haldi in Kabir's hair yelling "REVENGE COMPLETE!"

Kabir stood betrayed "TU MERI BEHEN HAI YA HANUMAN JI KI SENA?!"

Ira laughed until Ananya smeared haldi down her cheek.

Ira gasped "Anu! MERA MAKEUP!"

Ananya winked "Shaadi ka makeup kal hoga aaj haldi ka."

Devansh and Rohan wrestled in haldi. Kabir chased Aryan. Aryan chased Siya for stealing haldi. Arshik and Vidisha threw haldi like Holi. Sanya targeted Kabir's hair relentlessly.

Pure beautiful glorious chaos.

The youngsters were already destroying the lawn with haldi bombs, but the real comedy was happening on the adults’ side.

Harshad was now FULL ON chasing Rajveer around the venue like they were ten-year-olds again.

Harshad shouted,

“RAJVEER! RUK JA! TU NE MUJH PAR HALDI PHENKI!?”

Rajveer, laughing like a maniac,

“AREY TU NE PEHLE KIYA THA! BADLA TOH BANTA HAI!”

Harshad lunged—

Rajveer dodged—

And in perfect filmy fashion…

Rajveer quickly hid behind Arjun.

Arjun didn’t even get a second to react.

SPLATTT!!!

The haldi Harshad flung with full force landed straight across Arjun Malhotra’s face.

The entire venue went silent for exactly three seconds.

Arjun blinked slowly… haldi dripping down his cheek.

Radhika gasped,

“ARJUN?!”

Harshad froze,

“B–Bhai… woh… woh… galti se—”

Arjun wiped his face with royal annoyance,

“Galti se? GALTI SE? Harshad Rathore, tu toh gaya beta.”

Rajveer burst out laughing from behind Arjun,

“Haan Harshad! Ab bhugto!”

Arjun glared at him too,

“Aur tu, Rajveer… peeche kyun chupa tha? Hero banne aaye ho ya kindergarten kids?”

Rajveer straightened instantly,

“Arjun… woh… strategy thi. Battle strategy.”

Arjun raised his brow,

“Acha? Toh phir strategy ye bhi dekh le—”

And before anyone could process—

SWOOP!

Arjun grabbed handfuls of haldi…

SMACKED Harshad first

then whacked Rajveer right on the nose.

“AUR LAGAA! AUR LAGAA!!” Harshad shouted.

“ARJUNNN! DOST KO MARTA HAI!?”Rajveer yelled.

Ananya burst out laughing, holding her stomach.

Kabir pointed dramatically,

“YEH hota hai ORIGINAL Haldi War! Adults > Kids.”

Devansh smirked,

“Aur inn sab ke saamne hum log toh abhi shuru bhi nahi hue.”

And the chaos continued…

Meanwhile, the ladies — Meenakshi, Kavita, and Radhika — stood at the side, watching their husbands behave like absolute children.

Meenakshi placed a hand on her forehead,

“Bas… bas yehi baaki reh gaya tha. Teeno ko mila ke poora kindergarten ban gaye hain.”

Kavita shook her head dramatically,

“Sach bolu Meenu… kabhi kabhi lagta hai humne pati nahi, teenage boys adopt kiye hain.”

Radhika sighed with all the patience in the world as she saw Arjun still arguing with Harshad,

“Main toh hairaan hoon… Arjun ne bola tha ‘main dignified rehunga’. Yeh hai uska dignified? Poora haldi face-pack laga rakha hai!”

The other two burst into laughter.

Meenakshi nudged Kavita,

“Dekho Kavita, tumhare pati ko toh koi brake hi nahi hai. Harshad poore function ko WWE bana dega aaj.”

Kavita rolled her eyes,

“Tumhare Rajveer ko dekh lo! Duniya ka sabse bada chaalak. Khud bachne ke liye Arjun ke peeche chhup gaya. Bichare ke muh pe haldi lag gayi, par khud ka sher bach gaya.”

Radhika smirked,

“Achha hua lag gayi. Thoda toh seekhein yeh dono ke saath reh ke.”

Just then, Arjun slipped a little on the haldi-smeared floor, and Rajveer and Harshad burst out laughing, clapping like kids.

The ladies stared at the scene.

Meenakshi let out another long sigh,

“Bhagwan, in teenon ko buddha hone mein abhi 50 saal lag jayenge.”

Kavita grinned,

“Main toh kehti hoon inhe bhi ek haldi bowl deke battlefield mein bhej do. At least youngsters ko competition milega.”

Radhika crossed her arms proudly,

“Competition? Arre humare pati toh asli OGs hain. Ye youngsters kya hi ladenge inke saamne.”

The ladies watched their husbands run, slip, scream, laugh, and attack each other with haldi…

And all three said in unison:

“Yeh teeno kabhi nahi sudhrenge.”

Devansh was sprinting behind Kabir, a bowl of haldi in his hand, eyes narrowed in full revenge mode.

“Kabirrrr ruk ja! Aaj toh main—”

He flung the haldi forward—

But Kabir dodged—

SPLAT!

The entire bowl landed straight on Ananya’s back, who was running after Ira with pure dedication.

She froze.

Her jaw fell open.

The whole ground went silent for a second.

Then her voice BOOMED through the venue—

“DEVANSH SINGHANIA!!!!!”

Devansh stopped mid-run.

His soul left his body for a second.

“Main gaya…” he whispered.

He slowly turned… only to find his wife standing like a goddess of destruction—haldi dripping down her back, eyes narrowed, lips pressed in a deadly straight line.

Kabir whispered from behind him, “Bhai… bhag ja. Bhag ja warna aaj teri antim yatra yahin hogi.”

Devansh didn’t wait.

He RAN.

Like his life depended on it.

And behind him—

Ananya Singhania.

Full speed.

Hands ready.

Eyes blazing.

“ANSHHHH! RUK JAO!!!” she screamed, chasing him around the venue.

Devansh shouted while running,

“Mistake ho gaya baby! Galti se laga tha! Voh Kabir ki wajah se hua! Main nahi tha—”

“JHOOT MAT BOLO! YEH TUMHARE HAATH KA KAMAAL HAI!”

All the youngsters were rolling on the floor laughing.

Kabir ended up sitting on the ground clutching his stomach,

“Bhai… Anu ne toh aaj teri watt laga deni hai!”

Ira was also laughing so hard she had tears,

“Mere haldi se zyada entertaining toh yeh dono hain!”

Devansh ran past her yelling,

“IRA MAT ROOKNA USE! PATA NAHI AAJ KAUNSA WEAPON USE KAREGI!”

Ananya yelled back,

“JITNE BHI HONGE SAARE USE KARUNGI TUM RUKO TOH!!!”

Devansh’s scream echoed through the venue,

“KABIRRRR YEH SAB TERI WAJAH SE HO RAHA HAI!!!”

And the chase continued…

She was running behind him, her eyes shooting daggers.

Devansh darted across the courtyard and hid behind Kavita like a terrified five-year-old.

“Mummaaa! Bachao apni beti se!” he squealed, clutching her dupatta.

Kavita immediately stepped forward like a shield, spreading her arms wide in full dramatic Bollywood style.

“Mere bacche se door reh!” she declared, protecting Devansh as if Ananya was holding a gun instead of haldi.

“Seriously, Maa??” Ananya stared at her with a betrayed look, hands on her hips and mouth open in disbelief.

Devansh peeked from behind Kavita with a tiny, victorious grin…

But his celebration was short-lived.

Suddenly Meenakshi appeared behind him, grabbed his ear, and twisted it—hard.

Devansh yelped, “Aaaah Maa! Haldi ki rasam hai torture nahi!”

Meenakshi dragged him forward like a criminal caught red-handed.

“Haldi hai toh sudhar jao! Puri shaadi tumhari wajah se circus ban jayegi!”

The ladies—Meenakshi, Kavita, and Radhika—exchanged looks.

Radhika shook her head, smiling, “Iss ghar ka damaad nahi, bada wala cartoon hai.”

And Ananya folded her arms, glaring at her husband who was still rubbing his ear.

“Devansh Singhania,” she said dangerously,

“Ab tumhaari haldi main lagaoongi… special edition.”

Devansh gulped.

Devansh ran again—full speed—before Ananya could grab him.

“DEVANSH STOP!”

“Main pagal nahi hoon!” he yelled back while disappearing into the inner corridors of the mansion.

Ananya followed him, breathing hard, her haldi-smeared hand ready for revenge.

The laughter and noises of the haldi function faded behind her as she stepped into the long quiet corridor. The lights were warm, the surroundings silent, and Devansh… nowhere.

“Devansh?” she called, glaring left and right.

No answer.

“Mr. Singhania, come out. I know you’re hiding.”

Still no response.

She narrowed her eyes and walked slowly, checking behind pillars, peeking into corners.

“Devansh, agar tum samne nahi aaye na, I swear—haldi nahi, poora packet daal dungi tumpe.”

Silence again.

She sighed in frustration, placing her hands on her waist.

“Uff, ye aadmi—”

Before she could finish, a strong hand suddenly shot out from behind a pillar and grabbed her wrist.

She gasped as she was pulled sharply to the side—straight into Devansh’s chest.

He pressed a finger to her lips.

“Shhh,” he whispered mischievously, eyes twinkling.

“You were getting too close. Mujhe bachna tha.”

Ananya’s glare softened into surprise, then annoyance.

“Leave me,” she said, trying to pull back.

But Devansh tightened his hold, caging her between his arms and the wall, breathing lightly against her ear.

“Kyun?” he smirked.

“Pakad hi liya na mujhe.”

Her heartbeat jumped.

“Devansh…” she warned.

“Haan sweetheart?” he teased, leaning in closer, still hiding from the chaos outside.

Ananya’s heart skipped a beat, her breath catching for a moment.

“What are you doing? Someone will see us…” she whispered, though her voice was already losing firmness as his hands inched toward her waist.

Devansh leaned closer, lips brushing her ear.

“Ab haldi nahi lagani…” he murmured, his voice deep and teasing.

Ananya froze for a second.

Then her eyes slowly lifted to meet his—calm, confident, daring.

A soft smirk curved her lips.

Devansh blinked, confused.

“Kya—?”

Before he could finish, she stepped closer… then closer… until his back hit the wall with a quiet thud.

He inhaled sharply.

Her gaze stayed locked on his—steady, unblinking.

Then, without warning, she slid her haldi-filled hand up to his chest.

Slow.

Deliberate.

Sensual enough to make his breath stutter.

Devansh’s eyes widened, his heartbeat kicking up.

“Ananya…” he whispered, voice suddenly rough.

His hand moved to grab her waist—instinctive, desperate to pull her close.

But she caught his wrist midair, stopping him firmly.

“Not so fast, Mr. Singhania,” she whispered, her tone dangerously soft.

Her palm continued to glide across his chest, leaving streaks of warm haldi on his kurta, her fingers moving with a confidence that made him completely still.

He swallowed hard, visibly affected.

“Sweetheart…” he breathed out, voice cracking just slightly.

But Ananya leaned in even closer, her lips just inches from his, her touch slow and teasing as her haldi-smeared hand traced circles over his chest.

“Tum hi toh keh rahe the na…” she murmured.

“Ab haldi nahi lagani?”

Her smirk deepened.

Devansh’s breath hitched again—utterly, beautifully defeated.

Ananya slowly reached for the top of his kurta.

Her fingers brushed his skin as she unhooked the first button… then the second.

Devansh sucked in a breath, his jaw clenching hard.

Before he could react, she dipped her fingers into the haldi on her palm and gently pressed it against his bare chest.

The cold haldi hit his warm skin—

A sharp shiver ran through him.

He closed his eyes for a second, fighting for control, breath uneven.

“Ananya…” he said, voice low, strained, almost pleading.

But she continued her slow, teasing strokes, spreading haldi across his chest like she was painting something only she had the right to touch.

Every movement of her hand made his muscles tense under her touch.

His jaw tightened even more—he was losing control, and she knew it.

Their faces were so close their breaths mingled.

Her lips hovered just inches from his.

Devansh finally leaned in, unable to resist anymore, his eyes dropping to her lips—

And right when he was about to close the distance,

she stepped back.

Abruptly.

Smirking.

Devansh froze mid-lean, eyes widening in disbelief.

His breath was still heavy, chest rising and falling, haldi smeared everywhere because of her.

“Really, Ananya?” he asked, voice dangerously low, a mix of frustration and desire.

She lifted her chin proudly.

“Revenge,” she whispered, reminding him of the war outside.

Ananya gave him one last smirk before turning on her heel and sprinting down the corridor.

Devansh watched her go, chest still rising from everything she’d just done, haldi smeared all over him because of her teasing.

He narrowed his eyes, a slow smile forming.

“I’ll take my revenge, Mrs. Singhania,” he said, voice low and dangerously promising.

Ananya stopped at the end of the corridor, turned around with a playful tilt of her head, eyes sparkling.

“Let’s see,” she teased, lifting her chin proudly before running off again.

Devansh clicked his tongue.

“Done. Ab toh pakad ke dikhaunga…”

He started walking back toward the chaos.

Meanwhile…

Kabir was still running behind Ira in the backyard area.

“Iraaa ruk jao! Bohot smart ban rahi ho!” Kabir yelled, haldi-filled bowl in his hand.

Ira looked over her shoulder, her lehenga swaying beautifully as she ran.

“Catch me first, Mr. Malhotra!”

Kabir almost slipped while turning.

“Aaj toh pakad ke hi rahunga!”

Ira laughed, speeding up.

Ananya, arriving back from the corridor, saw them and shouted,

“Kabir! Ira! Tum dono war zone mein ho, careful!”

But the two were too busy chasing each other to listen.

Devansh came out behind Ananya, folding his arms.

“Tum logon ne pura venue akhada bana diya.”

Ananya smirked without looking at him.

“Tumhari wajah se toh shuru hua tha.”

Devansh leaned closer, murmuring just loud enough for her to hear,

“Abhi khatam nahi hua.”

Ananya gulped slightly but kept her expression unchanged.

Kabir, meanwhile, finally got close enough to Ira—

but Ira suddenly stopped, turned, and splashed haldi straight on Kabir’s face.

Kabir froze.

“IRAAAAA!”

Ananya burst out laughing.

“Ira aa gayi form mein!”

Kabir wiped his face dramatically.

“Ira Shekhawat— ab toh tum gayi!”

And the chase resumed with double speed.

The haldi war had officially turned into pure, legendary chaos.

Shrieks, laughs, splashes—haldi was flying everywhere like it had its own mission.

Kabir spotted Ananya across the lawn.

“ANANYAAA! TU RUK!”

“Main kyun rukungi? Pakad ke dikha!” Ananya yelled back, sprinting.

But this time Kabir wasn’t alone.

Devansh appeared right beside him—bowl in hand, eyes locked on his wife.

“Perfect. Isko aaj pakad hi lete hain.”

Kabir smirked.

“OG trio mode activated?”

Devansh cracked his neck like a villain ready for war.

“Activated.”

Ananya’s eyes widened.

“Oh hello! Yeh kya unity dikha rahe ho tum dono??”

Kabir shouted, “TEAM UP AGAINST ANNU!”

Devansh added, “Aur revenge bhi baaki hai.”

Ananya gasped dramatically.

“CHEATERS! Dono cheaters!”

She ran again—fast enough to win a marathon—

hair flying, saree pleats in the air, laughing and screaming all at once.

Kabir and Devansh were right behind her like two trained hunters.

Everyone stopped to watch the legendary trio back in action.

Siya yelled, “OH MY GOD, OG TRIO RETURNS!”

Rohan added, “RUN BHABHI! They look serious!”

Vidisha screamed, “Jiju Kabir bhaiya! Didu ko mat pakdooo!”

But Kabir was already gaining on Ananya.

“Anuuu! Ruk jaaa! Bach ke nahi jaa payegi!”

Ananya dodged between chairs, slid past a pillar and yelled,

“Tum dono ek number ke gunde ho! Mafia ka combo chahiye tha mujhe life mein??”

Devansh laughed behind her breathlessly.

“Aur tum ek number ki shaitaan ho!”

Kabir nearly caught her dupatta—

“Aa gaya haath mein—”

“NOPE!” Ananya twisted away like a pro and darted toward the poolside.

Devansh exchanged a look with Kabir.

“Kabir. Plan B?”

Kabir nodded instantly.

“Plan B.”

Devansh diverted left, Kabir ran straight.

Ananya realized a second too late.

“OH CRAP—DON’T YOU DARE—”

The two men cornered her.

Kabir smirked. “Gotcha.”

Devansh leaned forward, haldi bowl ready.

“Revenge time, Mrs. Singhania.”

Ananya stepped back, hand raised dramatically.

“Tum dono ne agar mere face pe ek drop bhi lagaya na—”

Kabir and Devansh together:

“—toh?”

Ananya:

“Maa se complain kar dungi!”

They both burst out laughing.

And then—

SPLASHHHH!

Both of them smeared haldi on her at the same time.

Ananya shrieked.

“KABIRRRR!! DEVANSHHHH!!”

OG Trio chaos unlocked.

Ananya was still yelling at both of them, haldi dripping from her cheeks, when Devansh suddenly tilted his head, eyes narrowing mischievously.

Kabir saw that look and stepped back.

“Oh no… not again. Devansh don’t— DEVANSH DON’T YOU DARE.”

But Devansh wasn’t listening.

He took one long step toward Ananya.

She froze.

“Ansh? Ansh what— why are you looking at me like—”

Before she could finish, Devansh grabbed her by the waist and lifted her clean off the ground.

“DEVANSH SINGHANIA PUT ME DOWN RIGHT NOW—!”

He didn’t even blink.

He just tightened his hold, smirked, and without a word—

ran straight toward the pool.

Kabir burst out laughing.

“OH THIS IS GONNA BE GOOD!”

Ananya kicked her legs in the air.

“ANSH I’M WARNING YOU—DON’T YOU—DON’T YOU—”

Too late.

In one smooth motion—

SPLASHHHHHH!

Devansh jumped into the pool with her in his arms.

Water erupted everywhere.

Everyone gasped.

Some laughed.

Some screamed.

Ananya surfaced first, hair plastered to her face, saree floating, eyes wide in disbelief.

“DEVANSH!!!”

Her voice echoed across the entire venue.

Devansh emerged right beside her, running his hands through his wet hair, grinning like he had won an Olympic medal.

He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close.

“Revenge successful.”

Ananya splashed water on his face immediately.

“I hate you!”

He kissed her cheek.

“You love me.”

She tried not to smile—failed miserably—and hit his chest lightly.

“You’re impossible.”

Kabir stood at the pool’s edge, laughing uncontrollably.

“BEAUTIFUL! AMAZING! ICONIC! Sixty marks ka stunt yeh hota hai, kids!”

Just then—

SPLASHHHH!

Ananya and Devansh turned to see Ira pulling Kabir into the pool too.

Chaos ×10 activated.

Kabir came up sputtering, pushing his wet hair back.

“IRA SHEKHAWAT!! YOU DARED TO—”

Ira crossed her arms, floating effortlessly.

“Revenge, Mr. Groom-to-be.”

Kabir tried to glare… failed… and splashed her instead.

“Ab rok ke dikha!”

She shrieked and splashed back with double force.

Within seconds, they were in their own little splash-war universe.

Meanwhile, Devansh slid his hand over Ananya’s waist underwater and pulled her closer.

“See? Not only you and me… now the entire baraat is inside the pool.”

Ananya rolled her eyes.

“Very funny. And whose fault is that?”

“Yours,” he said shamelessly, leaning in.

“HOW exactly is this my fault?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

Devansh smirked.

“Because you looked too pretty in that yellow saree. Self-control issue ho gaya.”

Ananya’s cheeks heated — and not because of the sun.

She pushed him slightly.

“Shut up…”

But Devansh held her wrist and pulled her back into him.

“Not happening, Mrs. Singhania.”

Before she could reply—another gigantic SPLASH landed on both of them.

They whipped their heads around.

Kabir and Ira stood together, both grinning wickedly.

“Kabir…” Devansh warned.

“Ha Dev?” Kabir said sweetly.

“You want to die today?”

Kabir grabbed Ira’s hand dramatically.

“Shaadi se pehle maar dega kya? Tum dono ka pata nahi—pure haldi ceremony ko pool party bana diya!”

Ananya threw water at him again.

“WHO started the war, Kabir?”

“You!”

“YOU!”

Both pointed at each other at the same time.

Ira burst into laughter.

“Bas karo tum dono… bachche lag rahe ho.”

Devansh flicked water at her.

“Tumhari wajah se Kabir control se bahar jata hai.”

Kabir gasped dramatically.

“Are you calling me uncontrollable?”

Devansh: “Yes.”

Ananya: “Very.”

Ira: “Always.”

Kabir clutched his chest.

“Wow. Betrayal at its peak.”

Ananya raised a brow.

“Abhi aur hoga. Dev—”

Devansh didn’t even wait for the cue.

He lunged toward Kabir.

“NO NO NO—” Kabir screamed and swam backward, struggling.

Ira was laughing so hard she could barely stay afloat.

“BABY, RUN!”

Kabir yelled, “I’M IN A POOL! WHERE DO YOU WANT ME TO RUN?!”

Devansh caught him by the collar and dunked him underwater.

SPLASH!

Ananya burst out laughing, clutching her stomach.

Ira too was giggling non-stop.

Kabir came up again, coughing water.

“DEVANSH I SWEAR—BAHUT MAARUNGA!”

Ira splashed his back.

“Shut up, drama king.”

Kabir turned to her with puppy eyes.

“Dekha? Dekho tumhari wajah se main do minute mein shaadi se single hone wala hoon!”

Ira pinched his cheek.

“Ha ha, bahut bol liya. Chup karo aur yahan aao.”

She pulled him closer and pecked his cheek.

The chaos paused.

Devansh raised a brow.

“Aaj kal bahut romantic ho raha hai mera best friend.”

Ananya smirked.

“Ira ka asar hai.”

Kabir wrapped an arm around Ira.

“Asar nahi, pura ka pura jaadu.”

All four laughed, floating in the water, drenched, tired, and insanely happy.

The youngsters, standing at the edge and watching all the madness, yelled together:

“HUM BHI AAYENGE!”

And before any of them could react—

TWELVE kids jumped into the pool at once.

BIGGEST SPLASH EVER.

"Meri saree" Ananya looked at her drenched yellow pallu lips pushed into the cutest pout.

"Mera suit" Ira echoed holding the fabric like a national treasure that just drowned.

Kabir and Devansh looked at each other then at their pout-filled ladies.

Both men sighed dramatically at the same time.

Kabir said "Bas. Yehi expression chahiye tha. Ab hum hi villain ban gaye."

Devansh crossed his arms raising a brow. "Haan clearly hum dono ne tumhe zabardasti pool mein phenka tha."

Ananya widened her pout. "Tumne hi toh mujhe uthaya tha!"

Devansh threw his hands up. "Arre par tumne mujhe haldi se torture kiya tha!"

Ira glared at Kabir. "Aur tumne mujhe teen teen baar splash kiya!"

Kabir put a hand on his heart. "Baby woh toh pyaar tha. Dekho gentle wale splashes."

Ira replied "Haan very gentle almost like tsunami."

Ananya snorted.

Devansh moved closer cupping Ananya's cheek. "Saree toh sukh jayegi par yeh pout kab khatam hoga?"

Ananya tried to push his hand away. "Tab tak jab tak tum guilty feel nahi karte."

Devansh leaned closer. "Already feeling guilty sweetheart."

Kabir wrapped his arm around Ira. "Tumhara bhi suit sukh jayega but your cute angry face? Permanent."

Ira rolled her eyes lips twitching. "Shut up."

Kabir whispered near her ear "Blush kar rahi ho."

"I'M NOT!"

Devansh smirked at Ananya. "Tum bhi blush kar rahi ho."

"I'M ALSO NOT!"

Both guys looked at each other high-fived like idiots.

The girls glared together.

Then the youngsters shouted from behind "BHABHI/DIDU! Agar saree aur suit  kharab ho gaya toh humare ghar se aur de denge!"

Ananya and Ira whirled around. "YOU ALL SHUT UP!" they yelled in sync.

The kids dove back into the pool screaming and laughing.

Devansh slipped his arm around Ananya's waist pulling her close. "Come on let's go dry up before you catch a cold."

Kabir mirrored him with Ira. "Haan warna shaadi mein dono sneeze machine ban jaoge."

Ira smacked his arm. "Kabirrr!"

Ananya laughed through her pout. "Chalo warna kuch aur bhi bigad jayega."

All four swam toward the pool steps drenched chaotic and utterly adorable.

Devansh stepped out of the pool first water dripping from his kurta hair slicked back looking every bit the mafia king even drenched. Kabir climbed out beside him shaking his head like a wet dog.

"Uff! Paani toh aankhon ke andar hi ghar bana liya."

Devansh snorted wiping his face.

Ira swam toward the edge. Kabir bent down offering his hand with a dramatic bow. "Aaiye madam humari jalpari."

Ira rolled her eyes but took his hand. Kabir pulled her up gently. She stumbled landing against his chest.

Kabir whispered "Dekha? Maine bachaya."

Ira flicked water at his face. "Drama king."

Kabir grinned.

Meanwhile Ananya refused to exit busy trying to drown Arshik.

"DI!!! DI rukoooo!!! Mai dub jaaunga!" Arshik screamed half-laughing half-crying as Ananya held his head underwater briefly before pulling him up.

She burst out laughing. "Drama mat kar. Itna sa bhi nahi seh sakta?"

Arshik coughed water. "Aap toh villain nikli!"

Vidisha yelled from the pool edge "DI! BHAI KO MAT MAROOO! MUJHE GIFT CHAHIYE SHAADI PE!"

Ananya shot her a glare. "Aur tum dono se puchu kisi ne mujhe bachaya?? NO!"

Devansh dripping exasperated leaned over the edge. "Ananya. OUT. NOW."

She looked up with a toothy smile. "Ek second!"

She dunked Arshik again.

"DI!!!!!!!!!" Arshik flailed.

Devansh groaned rubbing his forehead. "Iska naam Ananya nahi paani ki shaitaan hona chahiye."

Kabir laughed loudly. "I AGREE! Ira toh mermaid hai par yeh toh Shaitan hai!"

"MAINE SUNA!" Ananya shouted from the water.

She swam to the edge grabbed Kabir's ankle.

Kabir panicked "Oh no—NONONO—"

She pulled. Kabir yelped face-planting back into the pool.

Ira burst out laughing. "Deserved!"

Devansh shook his head. "Aaj toh poora paagal khaandaan bana diya tum sab ne."

Ananya finally climbed out dripping messy smiling like the happiest menace alive.

She walked past Devansh sweetly then smacked his wet chest. "That's for throwing me in."

Devansh raised a brow. "Oh sweetheart I'm not done yet."

Ananya froze. "W-what?"

He leaned in water dripping from his jawline. "Revenge baaki hai. Poora wala."

Ananya gulped.

Arshik shouted from the pool "Jiju! Don't spare her!!!"

Ananya glared back. "Abhi aai wapas dubone!"

The group of drenched haldi-warriors stood at the edge of the lawn water dripping from their clothes faces smeared yellow hair sticking to foreheads. They were laughing panting then silence fell.

Because the elders stood right there.

Harshad Rajveer and Arjun all three STILL covered in haldi looking like confused overgrown turmeric ladoos.

In front of them Meenakshi Kavita and Radhika arms crossed expressions dead serious glaring like strict school principals.

Behind them Ishaan and Kriti tried very hard not to laugh.

Harshad whispered to Rajveer and Arjun "Hum bachpan se saath hai aaj lag raha hai pitai bhi saath hi hogi."

Rajveer muttered "Galti teri thi Harshad sab tune shuru kiya."

Arjun added "Bilkul. Main toh beech mein phas gaya."

Kavita's eyes widened. "Oh really? Tum teenon bechare ho? Haldi kisne mere poore salwar pe roll diya tha?!"

The three men shut up immediately.

The moms turned to the youngsters all dripping all yellow all caught red-handed.

Meenakshi stepped forward voice dangerously calm. "Devansh. What is this?"

Devansh froze pointed at Kabir. "M–Mom Kabir ne—"

Kabir protested "EH?! Main ne kya kiya?! Ananya ne shuru kiya!"

Ananya gasped. "EXCUSE ME?? Kabir started it!"

Ira added "Actually Devansh threw Ananya in the pool first so—"

Devansh exclaimed "IRA!!!"

Ananya folded her arms. "Haan bolo Ira bolo."

Radhika pinched the bridge of her nose. "Kabir humne haldi ceremony sochi thi. Yeh kya WWE Haldi-Mana laga rakha hai tum logon ne?"

Kabir grinned sheepishly. "Maa maza aa gaya na?"

Radhika glared. "Maza? Tera baap dekh raha hai maza."

Arjun haldi-splattered nodded painfully. "Bilkul."

Harshad pointed at Ananya dramatically "Aur meri beti ko dekho! Superwoman ban ke sab ko duba rahi thi!"

Kavita turned sharply. "HAAN? Aur tum kya kar rahe the? Dance kar rahe the haldi laga-laga ke?"

Harshad straightened. "N–Nahi to. Main toh bas culture follow kar raha tha."

Kavita retorted "Konsaa wala? Don nadi mein haldi dalta hai culture?"

Even Devansh choked laughing.

Meenakshi looked at her son wet hair drenched kurta still smirking. "Devansh Singhania" she said softly.

Devansh straightened smile vanishing. "Yes Mumma?"

She raised one eyebrow. "Room. Shower. NOW."

Devansh nodded like a scolded schoolboy. "Ji."

Ananya giggled.

Meenakshi turned to her. "And YOU. Don't think you're spared."

Ananya's smile died. "…Ji Maa."

Behind them Ishaan whispered to Kriti "Inke ghar mein shaanti ka koi concept nahi hai."

Kriti whispered back "Khair entertainment free milta hai."

The youngsters collectively hid their smiles.

They all rushed toward the guest rooms, dripping water and drenched in haldi from head to toe. The marble floor was getting messy with their wet footprints but none of them cared— they were too busy laughing and blaming each other.

Kabir sneezed, “Aaa-choo! Arre haldi mere naak mein chali gayi!”

Ira glared. “Serves you right! Mere suit ka satyanash kar diya!”

Devansh was wringing his kurta on the way, drops falling everywhere. “I swear Mrs. Singhania, tumhari wajah se main do baar slip hote hote bacha.”

Ananya walked past him, chin high, arms crossed. “Oh please! Tum khud giraate ho.”

Kabir and Ira burst into laughter because everyone knew that was the biggest lie of the century.

Behind them, Arshik was still coughing water dramatically. “Ananya di ne mujhe doobaa diya! Main complain karunga!”

“Ja ja,” Ananya waved him off, “nahi dooba hota toh haldi war ka asli mazaa hi kya?”

Devansh opened the guest-room door and gestured dramatically, “After you, Mrs. Singhania. Jaakar badal lo. Varna thand lag jaayegi.”

She rolled her eyes. “Tum change kar lo. Tumko hi sabse zyada nautanki suit hoti hai.”

He stepped closer, voice low enough only she heard, “Agar main change kar loon na… tum khud mujhe dekhkar thand bhool jaogi.”

Ananya’s cheeks flamed instantly.

Ira exclaimed "OHOOO! Again flirting? Seriously even after being dipped in haldi?"

Kabir smirked, “Yeh dono ruke kabhi?”

All of them split to their rooms, still teasing each other, the corridor echoing with laughter and wet footsteps— the perfect chaotic post-haldi madness.

Ananya literally flew inside the room and dashed straight into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

“Mummyyyyy! Thand lag rahi haiiiii!!”

Her panicked shriek echoed from inside.

Devansh stood frozen near the door, staring at the closed bathroom with disbelief.

“Yeh… yeh rocket thi kya?” he muttered.

He walked closer and knocked lightly, trying not to laugh. “Mrs. Singhania, tum itni speed se bhaagi ho, mujhe laga koi Olympic race ka announcement hua hai.”

From inside came Ananya’s muffled voice, “Mazaak mat karo! Kapde sab geele ho gaye! Thand lag rahi hai!”

Devansh leaned his forehead against the bathroom door, smiling.

“Main toh keh raha tha… pool mein mat koodo. Par nahi! Jhansi ki Rani ko toh badla lena tha.”

“DEVANSH!!” she shouted from inside.

He burst into laughter, wiping drops of water from his hair.

“Okay okay… jaldi change kar lo. Varna tum sach mein bimar pad jaogi.”

She went quiet for a moment.

Then softly, “Aur… tum thik ho na? Tumhe thand toh nahi lag rahi ?”

Devansh smiled at the concern hidden behind her annoyed tone.

“Nahi. Tum ho na mere saath. Kuch nahi hoga.”

Inside the bathroom, Ananya felt her heart do a small flip. Outside, Devansh waited, leaning on the wall, soaked in haldi and water— watching the door like it held his entire world.

Ananya stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a pastel pink saree, still rubbing her arms as a shiver ran through her.

Her hair was dripping, cheeks slightly flushed from the cold—until her eyes landed on him.

Devansh stood shirtless in front of the mirror, towel in hand, drying his hair. Water droplets slid down his back, making her heartbeat jump.

She froze.

Her breath hitched.

And her cheeks… turned crimson.

Devansh caught her staring in the mirror and smirked.

“Ab thand chali gayi?” he teased.

Her cheeks went even darker, and she instantly looked away.

Devansh chuckled.

Just then his phone buzzed—Paras Calling.

His expression shifted. He answered immediately, voice turning curt and business-like.

“Haan… hmm… okay. Keep me updated.”

Even while he spoke, Ananya noticed his hair was still dripping. Without a word, she stepped forward and gently took the towel from his hand.

Devansh paused mid-sentence, eyes shifting to her.

She began drying his hair, reaching up on her toes… but he was too tall.

Way too tall.

She tried again.

And again.

Until a small pout formed on her lips—cute, frustrated, absolutely irresistible.

Devansh finally let out a soft laugh.

“Chhoti si ho tum,” he murmured.

She gave him a glare that was anything but threatening.

Understanding her struggle, he sat down on the couch, elbows on his knees, giving her the height she needed.

Ananya’s expression instantly brightened and she began drying his hair with gentle, almost affectionate strokes.

Her fingers brushed against his forehead, lingering longer than necessary.

Devansh closed his eyes for a second—relaxing under her touch.

The call ended.

Silence filled the room, thick and warm.

She was focused.

He was watching her.

And somewhere in between, the air started to shift again…

As Ananya kept drying his hair, Devansh’s gaze softened… then darkened… then softened again.

She was so focused—lower lip caught between her teeth, brows knitted in concentration—that he couldn’t stop himself.

Slowly, deliberately, he lifted his hands.

And in the next second—

he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer.

Ananya gasped softly, her hand freezing mid-air as she found herself almost flush against his bare chest.

“D-Devansh…” she whispered, breath hitching.

“Hm?” he hummed, looking up at her with that sinful half-smirk.

“Tum… kya kar rahe ho?”

He rested his forehead lightly against her stomach, arms still caged around her waist.

“Woh hi… jo tum har baar mujhe karne se rokti ho,” he murmured, voice low, fingers tightening around her waist.

Her heart thudded in her chest so loud she was sure he could hear it.

Still holding her, he slowly sat back, pulling her into his lap, her saree spilling around them like soft pink clouds.

Ananya’s palms pressed lightly against his shoulders.

His hands stayed firm on her waist.

She swallowed.

He smirked.

Her cheeks turned scarlet.

The towel slipped from her hand and fell to the floor.

“Ab thand gayi?” he teased softly, lips brushing the side of her jawline without touching.

Ananya’s breath shivered.

She nodded lightly, unable to trust her own voice.

He chuckled, pulling her another inch closer.

Devansh pinned her gently against the couch, his chest warm against hers, his hands holding her waist with an effortless strength.

“Anshh… tum…” Ananya started, her voice trailing, unsure, caught between surprise and desire.

“Shhh…” Devansh husked, lowering his head to rest lightly against her chest, breathing in her scent, letting himself relax against her.

“Stay like this for a while…” he murmured, his voice low and velvety, heavy with an unspoken promise.

Ananya said nothing. Instead, a sly smirk curved her lips. Her fingers found their way into his hair, gently stroking, running through it as if smoothing away the world’s chaos.

Devansh let out a contented sigh, nuzzling closer into her warmth. Her touch was gentle yet commanding, grounding him in a way that only she could.

Time seemed to slow around them—the soft hum of the mansion, the distant laughter of the youngsters, even the faint clink of glasses from the hall—all of it faded. Only the rhythm of their breathing, the warmth of their bodies, and the quiet intimacy of the moment remained.

Ananya’s smirk deepened as she leaned her head slightly against his, whispering softly, “Tumhare saath hoon, toh aur kya chahiye…”

Devansh’s lips curved into a satisfied smile, tilting his head slightly, “Bas… yahi raho…”

And for a long, suspended moment, they simply stayed like that—two souls wrapped in each other, the world outside fading into insignificance.

Ananya was leaning comfortably against her father, Harshad, scrolling through her phone. On her other side, Vidisha snuggled close, her hand holding onto her sister’s arm for support. Harshad’s strong arms rested gently around both of them, stroking their hair tenderly.

He looked at his daughters, and a quiet weight pressed on one side of his heart. A piece of emptiness lingered, a reminder of what life hadn’t given him, but as he gazed at these two, full of life and laughter, he pushed it aside.

“Meri bacchiyaan… tum dono apna khayal hamesha rakhna, chahe kuch bhi ho jaaye, haan?” Harshad’s voice was soft but carried a weight of earnest love.

Ananya looked up at him, her eyes sparkling. “Papa, humesha, promise. Hum dono hamesha ek dusre ka saath denge.”

Vidisha nodded, her tiny face serious for a moment. “Haan papa, promise!”

Harshad smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Vidisha’s forehead. “Aur ek baat, meri ladkiyaan… khud se kabhi compromise mat karna. Tum dono ki khushi aur izzat sabse pehle hai.”

Ananya’s smile softened, a mix of gratitude and love. “Papa, aapke bina hum kuch bhi nahi hai. Humesha humari strength rahenge aap.”

Vidisha nestled closer, and Harshad bent down, pressing a gentle kiss on her temple. “Meri chhoti si princess… hamesha khush raho.”

Ananya leaned her head lightly against his shoulder, and the three of them sat in peaceful silence for a moment. The warmth of family, the unspoken promises, and the quiet laughter of shared memories wrapped around them like a comforting blanket.

Devansh entered the hall, phone glued to his ear, his jaw locked and expression sharp—clearly discussing something serious.

But the second his eyes lifted from the screen… they softened.

There was Ananya—curled against Harshad’s side—Vidisha on the other, all three laughing over something on Ananya’s phone.

He immediately ended the call with a short, “We’ll discuss it later,” and slipped the phone into his pocket.

“Aap log kaafi enjoy kar rahe ho yahan…” Devansh said, walking toward them, his voice dropping its usual edge.

Ananya looked up at him and smiled, “Haan, kyuki hum teenon ko koi disturb karne wala nahi tha… ab tak.”

Harshad raised a brow. “Haan, aur yeh sab tumhare bina aur achha ho raha tha, Mr. Singhania.”

Devansh chuckled. “Papa, aap mujhe dekhte hi irritated kyun ho jaate ho?”

Vidisha grinned and leaned closer to Harshad, “Jiju ki wajah se hi papa ko maza aata hai. Don’t lie, Papa.”

Harshad shot her a dramatic glare. “Tum dono jija-saali milke mujhe hi target karoge kya?”

Devansh sat beside Ananya, sliding an arm around her shoulder. “Papa ko target karna toh humara birthright hai.”

Ananya laughed, leaning into him. Vidisha giggled louder.

Harshad rolled his eyes at all three. “Bas bas… meri beti ke itne kareeb mat baitho.”

Devansh tightened his hold around Ananya subtly, smirking, “I can’t, papa. Aapki beti meri biwi hai… yaad dilaaun?”

“Bas! Door hatt! Stay away from my daughter!” Harshad warned dramatically pulling her closer.

Devansh placed a hand over his heart. “Dil pe lag gayi, papa. Bohot zyada.”

Ananya giggled, “Papa, drama band kijiye… Ansh is harmless.”

“Harmless? Yeh?” Harshad scoffed. “Tum iske saath rehke bigad gayi ho.”

Devansh smirked wider. “Woh toh mera kaam hai.”

Harshad choked on his own laugh. “Shaana mat ban, Devansh.”

Ananya,snuggled against him, then asked softly, “Waise… kahan jaa rahe ho?”

Devansh’s playful expression fell for a second, replaced by his calm seriousness.

“Thoda kaam hai. I’ll be back soon, baby.”

He bent and kissed her forehead gently.

Harshad immediately jumped in, “Maine bola naa, stay away from my daughter!”

Devansh walked backwards, smirking.

“Papa, aap chahe jitna bol lo… main nahi door jaa sakta. Habit ban gayi hai.”

Vidisha shook her head fondly.

“Drama queens… dono.”

Harshad glared at her.

“Main queen lagta hoon tujhe??”

Vidisha hugged his arm.

“Papa, mere hero ho aap. But thoda drama karte ho… bas thoda.”

Ananya laughed, leaning on Harshad now.

“Papa, aapko jealous ho raha tha na? Dev mere paas aaya isliye?”

Harshad gasped. “Bilkul nahi! Main kyun jealous honga?”

Devansh smirked from the doorway. “Papa jealous ho rahe the… note kar liya.”

“DEVANSH!!!”

Devansh fled.

And the three voices in the hall echoed with laughter.

Ananya was in her bedroom, lying on her stomach, lazily scrolling through her phone. Her eyes felt heavy, her body completely drained after the long day.

Just then, her phone lit up with an incoming call.

Piya.

Ananya groaned softly and rubbed her face before picking it up. She pushed herself up, sitting straight on the bed.

“Haan Piya, bolo…” she said in a tired voice.

On the other side, Piya started explaining something in her usual fast, panicked tone. Ananya closed her eyes, letting Piya finish, and then sighed.

“Piya… get me the details.”

Her tone firm, yet soft.

“Okay ma’am,” Piya replied instantly.

Ananya disconnected the call and stretched lazily, her back cracking slightly. She placed her phone on the nightstand and flopped back onto her stomach.

The cool bedsheet soothed her aching muscles. Her eyes fluttered shut on their own.

Within minutes, her breathing steadied…

…her body relaxed completely…

And she slowly drifted into a deep, peaceful slumber.

Devansh entered the room, shoulders slumped, every step heavy from the long, draining day he had survived. He loosened the first two buttons of his shirt, exhaling deeply as the tension in his chest eased a little.

His eyes automatically searched for her—

and there she was.

Ananya lay on her stomach, fast asleep, her cheek resting against the pillow. A few loose strands of her hair had fallen over her face, her lips slightly parted, her breathing soft and even. The duvet was pushed down to her waist, and the warm bedside lamp highlighted the gentle rise and fall of her back. She looked serene… untouched by the stress of the world. Almost childlike in her peacefulness.

A soft smile tugged at his lips.

“Meri jaan…” he whispered under his breath.

He shook his head and walked towards her quietly, careful not to make a sound. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he gently slipped his hand beneath her shoulder, turning her slowly so that she lay on her back. She didn’t stir—only let out a small sigh.

Devansh pulled the duvet up carefully, covering her properly, tucking it around her to keep her warm. He brushed a strand of hair away from her face before heading to the washroom.

After freshening up, he returned, the room dim and calm.

He slid into bed beside her, the mattress dipping slightly. Instinctively, almost as if she sensed him even in sleep, Ananya moved closer. Devansh wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his chest.

She felt his warmth and snuggled deeper, her fingers lightly touching his shirt.

He pressed a soft kiss to her temple, closing his eyes.

“Goodnight, love…” he murmured.

He held her a little closer—

and with her safe in his arms,

he too drifted into a deep, restful slumber.

______________________________________________________________________________________

So how was the Haldi Chaos . Comment karke batana zaroor....